Fossils / Extinction Flashcards
1
Q
What factors are needed for fossil formation?
A
Oxygen, minerals, sediment, micro-organisms
2
Q
How are fossils formed. (4 steps)
A
- Organism is covered in sediment/mud, 2. Soft parts decay/ eaten by micro-organisms, 3. Bones/hard parts preserved by minerals, 4. Compressed sediment forms sedimentary rock around fossil over time.
3
Q
Name the reasons why a species may become extinct.
A
New Predators, Better competitors, New diseases, Nature/disaster (asteroid)
4
Q
Define extinction.
A
The permanent loss of all the members of a species.
5
Q
Define species.
A
A group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
6
Q
Define Speciation.
A
The formation of a new species due to evolution. May cause extinction of another species. E.g. early homonoids
